Jul 26 I GAVE UP MY BIKINIS

Cue everyone cringing because who wants to talk about modesty and swimwear?

I know I didn't want to talk about it but God kept nudging me to just hear Him out. As someone who has worn bikinis my whole life, I knew God and I would eventually have to talk about swimwear since He had asked me to start a modest clothing store.

Long story short He asked me to give up bikinis. It was not fun and I didn't want to. Not only did he ask me to give them up but He showed me why He wanted ME too.

I won't ever forget being in my favorite ruffle bikini, one I had just bought from target. I went to get a coke from the restaurant by the pool, as I looked around (with sunglasses on) I noticed one man at the kiddie pool with his wife and child noticeably checking me out. As I walked back to my chair I noticed two older men in their 60's with wedding bands on doing the same. Then it hit me hard, I was so uncomfortable that I covered myself with a towel in my chair. In my heart of hearts I wore that bikini to try and get the attention of guys my age. Little did I know I was drawing attention from men who I did not want attention from.

As I sat in my chair I asked myself some questions which I believe were from the Holy Spirit.

Do I want to be a girl who makes some other girls husband stumble?

NO I DO NOT.

Do I want to be looked at like that by someone's grandad, dad, husband, or brother?

NO THANK YOUDo I want to be looked at like a piece of meat or a woman with respect?

DEFINITELY A WOMAN OF DIGNITY AND RESPECT

I'm not saying that guys aren't ever going to look at you again in a lustful way even if you had 4 layers of baggy clothing on because guys are visual. We may not be able to control their thoughts but we can do our part to make it a little easier on them. To make it easier for the grandads, dads, husbands and brothers of the world who ARE trying to be respectful and who are trying to guard their minds and hearts from our over sexualized culture.

I share this with you not to make you feel bad or even change your mind on bikinis because that is between you and God. But I do share this to encourage you to PRAY. Ask God to search your heart/your motives behind everything you wear not just swimwear. Listen & Obey.

I hope my story encourages you. Whether you are a girl who has been finding her worth in the attention of men or a mom who is praying for her daughter to value herself.

If you're a guy reading this I pray you will have the courage to encourage the women around you to value themselves and let them know you think they are beautiful without revealing anything at all.